







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| It's still £5 more than the bigger room! | |
| I want him to check the heaters in the rooms while he is here! | |
| Is it possible not to be able to find return tickets? | |
| Really? How do I wake you up? | |
| Plus the bathroom and the kitchen are clean. | |
| I hope it’s not serious. | |
| How old are you? | |
| That's a perfect time to see a house... | |
| Bear is okay with cats, but definitely not with dogs. | |
| Mike! You can't use people's stuff without asking! | |
| Yes, that's okay, we are just about to leave. | |
| I guess mine is older than yours! | |
| You look a bit sad, are you okay? | |
| It's always the same. | |
| Let me check... when is best for you? | |
| Isn't that funny? | |
| Girls, this is Diego. | |
| Hello Beatrix, it's me, Cate. | |
| Thanks, but I don't have time to stay. | |
| Yeah, that's a good idea. | |